Mallory Knox Live @ TOMS Unplugged

I like shoes. And I like music. Also high up on the like list is indulging in all things shoes and music related for a good cause. So paying a visit to the TOMS Community Outpost to see the quite awesome Mallory Knox live doing an acoustic set? Top notch Friday plans.

You’ve probably heard of TOMS shoes before – for every pair you buy, they’ll provide a pair for a child in need somewhere in the world. And it doesn’t just stop at shoes – they now offer a range of products which offer the chance to help deliver sight, fresh water and safe birth to those who need it most.

As well as being somewhere you can pick up a snazzy pair of TOMS shoes (I’m loving the on-trend metallics), the Carnaby Community Outpost also has a lovely cafe, with friendly staff and the cutest little super-Instagrammable lemonade bottles I ever did see. FYI, mega tasty too.

Coming on as support for Mallory Knox, I was introduced to Nations, who certainly have excellent spatial awareness skills. All four band members squeezed into the pretty small space to play some tracks from their debut EP. And they were rather good. Definitely recommending you give their track Never Too Late a go if you’re one of these sensible people getting excited about the British rock scene these days.

Arriving fashionably (only slightly!) late to the party, Mikey and Sam from Mallory Knox took to the floor quickly and played some favourite tracks in a beautiful acoustic setting. With singalongs in the crowd (especially during super-catchy hit Lighthouse) and interaction from the guys, it was pretty much the perfect intimate afternoon of music.

After the guys had finished up, I took the chance to have a look around the shop itself, and managed to come away with a bit of a ‘lust list’ – including sparkles (I wish I’d had these when I injured my toe and went to a work Christmas do in a FABULOUS dress and…smelly old trainers), metallics, my beloved animal print and a severe urge to buy a backpack.

Because buying lovely things that help a great cause totally eliminates shopping guilt.

The gang at TOMS Carnaby have more Unplugged gigs in the pipeline – much excitement! If you want to be first with a chance to win tickets, give their Facebook page a like – and if you’re in the area shopping, I’d totally recommend popping in for a drink and some shoe-browsing.

Have you ever picked up anything from TOMS? What bands would you love to see play the Community Outpost?